Today on the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I’m joined by someone whose appetite for challenge seems to grow with every expedition. James Benson‑King — known to many as Biking Viking Rides — is an adventurer, endurance cyclist, Guinness World Record holder, and a storyteller who uses his experiences to help others build the confidence to start their own journeys.

From riding 32,000 kilometres across the Americas, to pushing his limits on some of the toughest terrain on the planet, James has carved out a life defined by curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to step into the unknown. And now, he’s preparing for what may be his boldest undertaking yet: an expedition to Antarctica that will test every skill, every lesson, and every ounce of determination he’s built over years of adventure.

In this conversation, we dive into his background, the evolution of the “Biking Viking,” the mindset behind extreme endurance, the gear and planning that go into a polar expedition, and the stories that shaped him along the way. Whether you’re dreaming of your first overnight trip or planning your own big mission, James brings a mix of honesty, humour, and hard‑earned wisdom that I think you’re really going to enjoy.

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